soft dome speakers

I am in the soft dome boat;I have usher rw729's and I really enjoy them driven with tubes or solid state amplification.

I replaced some speakers with metal drivers that were fatiguing for me with soft-domed Northcreeks. I've enjoyed them for four years. They should have something at your pricepoint, though a bit of diy may be required. John

I have no bias against soft domes, I like both, but don't count out metal domes when done right. I believe a well designed metal dome does not necessarily have that sharp or ringing signature. I would think it has a lot to do with crossover design also. On the other hand, -sometimes- soft domes can tend to sound soft on leading edges, and don't do the sound of metal percussion well.
In my experience some Totem and Alon speakers using metal have stood out as having vivid high end response without harshness.

Another vote for Quad L series.

I can also recommend the Quad L series and Dynaudio Excite X12. I've had Quad 11Ls--great speakers, and a fantastic bargain used--and now have the Dynaudios, which are also great speakers and very smooth on the top end.